O’Neal Experiences Great Start to the New School Year

...welcomes new teachers.
The O’Neal School opened its doors this school year on August 19th with an increased enrollment of 447 students, including a record number of 109 new students. The pre-kindergarten (age 3 and 4) and kindergarten classes have reached full capacity. The School’s international program has expanded with families hosting six new students from Europe and Asia totaling nine international students enrolled at O’Neal.

“I anticipate an exceptional year with all the students and their many accomplishments in academics, service, the arts and athletics,” stated Head of School John Elmore in a letter to O’Neal parents. “Although our students share common experiences, we will celebrate their individuality and personal achievements.  O'Neal provides the opportunities for each of our students to excel in a variety of ways, and I look forward to seeing how each will tailor the program to fit particular interests and passions.”  

The school year started with a newly equipped seventh grade science classroom in the Middle School as well as a physics lab in the Upper School. A greenhouse is currently under construction near the Lower School to serve as part of its outdoor learning center. All of these projects are a result of a science initiative that was launched at the School’s annual auction last February.

This year has included some changes and growth in O’Neal’s faculty across all three divisions. O’Neal is fortunate to attract teachers from across the nation demonstrating excitement and academic expertise for the curriculum they teach.  

Julia Ambersley teaches fourth grade in the Lower School.  She comes to O’Neal having taught in the elementary grades for the past nine years locally at Vass Lakeview Elementary and Episcopal Day School.  Julia has a B.A. degree in anthropology and a M.A. in teaching elementary education both from Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA.  She serves on the Board of Directors for Communities in Schools of Moore County.
 
Katie Brannan teaches math part time in the Upper School. She has a B. S. in environmental science from North Carolina State University. She also teaches and tutors math at Sandhills Community College.

Jackie Cavallini teaches English and journalism in the Middle and Upper Schools.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with degrees in journalism and history, and she was the University's two-time soccer captain and four-time Academic All-Big Ten.  Jackie has worked with children, teens and young adults throughout her career in nonprofits, and she was most recently the programs director with the Athletic Club of the Sandhills.

Elizabeth Ciskowski teaches math and science in the Upper School and provides academic coaching in those areas.  She attended Cheshire Academy in Connecticut and graduated from Roanoke College with degrees in mathematics and physics.  Elizabeth studied abroad and found her passion for teaching while in Ghana.  She has taught and tutored students at the secondary and college levels.

Lindsay Ford joins the Lower School as a first grade teacher.  She holds B.A. and M.T. degrees both from the University of Virginia.  Lindsay has been teaching in the Charlottesville, VA, area schools and has specialized experience in integrating technology and in designing multidisciplinary lessons and activities.

Reid Haslup teaches physics and chemistry in the Upper School.  A native of South Carolina, she attended the Governor's School for Science and Math and earned her B.S. and Ph.D. at North Carolina State University.  Reid taught at the college level for several years before transitioning to the independent, secondary level at Middleburg Academy.

Lauren Hunt joins the Lower School teaching kindergarten.  Originally from Rhode Island, Lauren has taught for the last three years in North Carolina, and she was the grade level chair for her system.  A magna cum laude graduate of Salve Regina University, her professional development includes work in several lower schools in every academic area as well as topics such as integrating iPads into the classroom and building mathematical comprehension with literacy strategies.

Sarah Merchant teaches Spanish at the pre-k through grade 5 levels.  She attended Christopher Newport University where she earned B.A. and M.A.T. degrees and studied abroad in Spain, Switzerland, and Costa Rica.  Sarah also spent two years teaching Spanish in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua.  She comes to us from Flint Hill School in Oakton, VA.

Becky Thurman joins the Middle and Upper Schools teaching the life sciences.  She holds B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry from the University of Arkansas where she also ran cross-country and track.  Becky has been a research associate and instructor at the college level, and she most recently taught college and high school students at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford
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The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.